Last call for garage sale

END of an era . . . Roy and Iris Last at the final Cancer Research UK annual garage sale at St Matthew's Primary School

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BARGAIN-hunters in Chadderton will have to go elsewhere to find goods at knock-down prices, as the institutional garage sale at St Matthew's Primary School has come to an end.

Well-known and much-loved couple Iris and Roy Last held their final annual garage sale at the school, in Chadderton Hall Road, on Saturday, much to the disappointment of nearby residents.

But it's not quite goodbye ­­- the couple will still hold charity events as Iris is on the Chadderton and Oldham Cancer Research Committee, but on a smaller scale than the garage sale, which had become a much-anticipated event for 14 years.

Iris (80) got roped into the charity's committee more than 30 years ago when she gave a friend on the committee a lift to a coffee morning. She is now treasurer and also won a Pride in Oldham Award for her charity work.

Iris, who worked in a pharmacy before retiring, said: "We have enjoyed this, we have had fun. We have had a lot of people helping us, we couldn't do it without them.

"When we told people they asked why. We said we're not getting younger. It's getting harder. One lady said, 'it's the highlight of my year' ­- I felt guilty! I'm spoiling the highlight of her year.

"We have had some very strange things over the years. We had things that we thought, 'that will never sell', and yet it's the first thing that sells. People are very generous."

Goods in the past have included a rusty jerry can which was snapped up for £5 by the wife of a Second World War memorabilia collector.

Iris is supported by Roy (82), who describes himself as a "labourer" at events. The former salesman said: "About 100 to 150 people come - you can't get past people at times.

"We have made a lot friends. We enjoy it. This is the last one but we will continue to do other things.

The couple used to hold the garage sale at their home. They put up nine gazebos and more than 20 tables on the drive and in the garden, spilling out on to the road and creating a build up of traffic. So they moved the event to the school nearby.

However, they could not have done it without the dedicated team on the committee, who help set up the event and ensure things run smoothly.

As a committee they usually raise £25,000 each year through charity events. This year so far they have sent off £15,000 to the Cancer Research Centre. This year and last, the money raised from the charity event has gone specifically to children with brain tumours.

Susan Matthews (71) mans the cafe area, serving cakes and hot drinks.

"I love it," she said. "You meet loads of people, some you know and some you don't. You get to catch up with all the gossip.

"I feel sad for Iris and Roy because they've put so much into it. But nobody is getting any younger. And it's hard work, even with however many people help out. I'm sure they will find something else to do, like afternoon teas, to raise money."

Another supporter of many years is Jim Mather (80), from Chadderton, who often bakes fruit cakes for the event.

He said: "I enjoy doing it. It's a worthwhile cause. I admire Iris and Roy for what they have done. I've known Roy for many years.

"I love doing this and I've made many friends. I'm sad this is ending."

Shoppers were surprised and saddened to learn this would be the last garage sale; many had been coming for years.

Friends Patt Binns and Kath Gaffiney, from Chadderton and Rochdale respectively.

Patt (70) said: " I think it's very good. I always get something, we come every year more or less. We mostly come for the cake stall"

Kath (74) added: "It's really sad; they have done it for a long time. They're nice and friendly people. I know Iris and Susan. I once bought a pair of knee-length black boots here for just £1."

Anne Clough and Ann Harrison were also surprised to hear it was the last event.

Anne (80), from Royton, said: "Everybody is friendly. Iris and Roy work really hard.

Eileen and Ainsley Garner, from Royton, hope some fresh blood will revive the event and continue Iris and Roy's legacy.

Eileen (63), who is now in remission after having cancer, is only too happy to buy goods knowing it will go to a cancer charity.

She said: "We've been coming for a couple of years. It's a shame it's not supported by younger people. They're all older people here. We wonder what will happen in the future.

"It's sad, I didn't know it was the last one until today. I had bowel cancer four years ago, so it's close to my heart."

Committee member Carole Owen said: "The committee marks its 50th anniversary in 2019. We've been doing it for 14 years and we decided it's just getting harder. We need younger blood now. All our members are 80-plus."

The committee is hosting further events. A coffee morning is being held on September 9 in Healds Green, Chadderton, from 10am-3pm.

An Italian night takes place on October 28 at Werneth Golf Club, Green Lane, from 7.30pm. And the Hope Singers will be performing at St Matthew's Church on December 8, from 7.30pm.

Anyone wishing to revive the garage sale or volunteer with the committee should call Carole on 07736 679704.